Washington High debates wants, needs

WASHINGTON — Is this a bad time or the perfect time for renovation projects at Washington Community High School?

The question was debated at length Monday night at a District 308 School Board meeting that attracted an audience of about 100.

Nearly half of the three-hour meeting was devoted to the projects, which include construction of new bleachers and a new press box and installation of artificial turf at Babcook Field; construction of new tennis courts and a new wrestling/physical education room; and installation of air conditioning in parts of the campus that don't have it.

About $2.5 million remains on a $2.8 million bond issued for the projects. Nearly $300,000 has been spent for architectural and engineering services.

Low base bids for the projects add up to $3.3 million. However, nearly $263,000 would be deducted from the bleachers/press box project for work done by the 12th Man and Panther Football Alumni organizations and as much as $100,000 would be deducted from the wrestling/P.E. room project because of a fundraising effort.

Several bids for additional work also are on the table.

The board will vote on the bids Feb. 24 at a special meeting.

The bond money can be used only for the projects or to pay off current bond debt by about $225,000 per year. It cannot make up whatever the district loses in tax revenue from the destruction caused by the Nov. 17 tornado.

Estmates are the city lost about 10 to 15 percent of its equalized assessed value for the 2014 levy (taxes paid in 2015).

Residents urged the School Board to delay work on some or all the projects because of the tax loss. They also said some projects are wants and not needs.

But other residents said the projects would become a beacon for the city's rebuilding efforts.

Board President Jim Gerkin said the board shouldn't back away from doing what needs to be done.

Board member Byron Buck said — from his work on the board's finance committee — he's confident the district is in strong enough financial shape to do the projects without burdening taxpayers.

"We're going through a grieving process in our community," Buck said. "There is a better, stronger, more prosperous Washington in our future and WCHS can lead the way."